US Iran War Live Updates: Araghchi claims Netanyahu is pushing for renewed conflict with Iran

A man paddles a surfboard as a commercial vessel appears anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, (AP)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says an oil tanker caught fire after it hit a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz on October 18. The Guards said the ship was “violating regulations”. Iranian state TV aired video that it said showed the blast. Attacks on ships in the strait have continued in recent days.

The news comes as the war in the region spreads. Iran’s parliament has approved a new defence minister, and Saudi Arabia has faced fresh drone and missile attacks from Yemen. Egypt has said it is ready to back Riyadh, and Iran’s foreign minister says an offer to reopen Hormuz is still on the table.

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Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel all made news on October 18. Iran named a new defence minister and talked again about Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia dealt with attacks from Yemen. Egypt moved closer to giving Riyadh military support, and Israel’s prime minister said he would act against Iran with US President Donald Trump.

Key world updates

• Tanker fire: The IRGC says the tanker hit a sea mine in Hormuz and caught fire.
• New defence minister: Iran’s parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, who helped develop many of the country’s missile systems.
• Hormuz offer: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s offer to reopen the strait within seven days is still on the table.
• Saudi Arabia under attack: The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen says it shot down more drones near Riyadh. Two troops died in a helicopter crash in Najran, and a Houthi projectile there injured six people and damaged homes and cars.
• Egypt’s support: Egypt’s presidency says it will give Saudi Arabia the support it needs to protect its security. A parliament vote on military help was put off until Monday.

Follow the latest world news and major international developments here. This live blog is a rolling curation of the day’s key global stories, with updates added as events unfold and the news agenda changes. The headline, introduction and Top Developments section will be refreshed throughout the day to reflect the stories that matter most at that moment.

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